Alcohol Use among Adolescents

Abstract

Alcohol consumption is a major social problem throughout the US. This study seeks to identify the risk and protective factors associated with adolescent alcohol drinking by examining social psychological variables. Selected items from a baseline questionnaire for a two year drug prevention study were used to conduct bivariate and logistic regression analyses. Respondents (N=2787) were seventh graders in ten middle schools throughout Orange County. The results suggested that individuals with poor academic performance and a sensation seeking personality were the most likely to consume alcohol. Knowing the characteristics of those who are most likely to engage in alcohol use is a necessary step towards developing programs that aim to combat adolescent drinking.